James ("Scotty") Philip
1858-1911

Scottish-born James Philip was a successful rancher and prominent cattleman. He served as guide, scout, and dispatch rider at Fort Robinson. In 1881, he began ranching and soon became involved in real estate, banking and politics as well.

Philip is credited with helping to save the bison from extinction. His herd of fifty-seven buffalo grew to nine hundred and formed the basis for several herds in the country, including the herd now at Custer State Park.

Eulogized as "a man of large stature, large plans and large heart," Philip was one of the first South Dakotans named to the National Cowboy Hall of Fame.

A more detailed profile is printed in Volume 16 Number 1 of South Dakota History, the journal of the South Dakota State Historical Society.